Microsoft Offers webOS Devs Free Windows Phones

As we all know by now, Hewlett-Packard’s (HP) is looking to evolve its PC business by focusing more on software and cloud services, and has shelved its webOS platform. Microsoft, looking to capitalize on this, has offered free Windows Phones and dev tools to webOS devs.

According to HP, the company has “authorized the exploration of strategic alternatives for its Personal Systems Group.” The company will also “consider a broad range of options that may include, among others, a full or partial separation of PSG from HP through a spin-off or other transaction.”

Microsoft is looking to capitalize on this by offering free Windows Phones, dev tools, and training. Brandon Watson, Microsoft’s Senior Director of Windows Phone 7 Development, made the tweet today:

HP recently shelved its webOS devices, specifically the TouchPad and webOS phones, to continue to “explore options to optimize the value of webOS software going forward.” HP further explained that their webOS devices had not gained enough traction in the marketplace with consumers. “Continuing to execute our current device approach in this space is no longer in the interest of HP or its shareholders,” HP stated.